We have been a member of NETS for 5 years. NETS is a network of Canadian specialty toy retailers and suppliers working together to provide a superior source of quality toys within our communities. Whale's Tale Toys is one of only 6 participating members in British Columbia, and one of two on the island (our sister NETS store is Buddies Toy Store in Sidney). Every year, NETS produces a wish catalog for Christmas. We compile this catalog by considering all of the product feedback we have received from customers over the previous year and choosing to spotlight the best and brightest toys in a full color, glossy magazine that we distribute in our communities in time for the holiday season. NETS has 28 participating stores across Canada; allowing us to stronger buying power as a group. We get better deals, so you do as well. Watch for the NETS catalog this fall. They will be available in stores by November.

Comox Valley EchoPublished: Tuesday, October 13, 2009Once upon a time, a neighborhood toy store was started on Fifth Street. A couple of moves and a ship construction later, Whale's Tale Toys can be found at 332 Fifth Street. Judy Osborne wanted to offer Comox Valley children and their families a unique shopping experience; a place where families were welcomed with tables of toys and product expertise. Twenty-five years later, Whale's Tale Toys is still going strong with the same classic toys and new innovative toys to tickle the young at heart.

Judy and her "silent" partner and husband, Greg worked tirelessly to offer their community toys from around the world while letting their young daughters, whose pictures are splashed throughout the store, be the test market. Who wouldn't have liked that job as a kid?

To say that employees make the business would be an understatement in Judy's case. Beating cancer is tough, but would have been impossible if Thea, Barb and others hadn't been there to take care of the store. Whale's Tale Toys' second longest employee is Wanda the goldfish, who has been with the store for over 10 years. We have many small people come through our doors just to visit Wanda and her ever-changing cast of tank mates.

The children, who blessed our doors 25 years ago, are returning with their own children to our cozy ship on Fifth street. We have literally watched generations grow up in front of our eyes. Time and again, customers have told us they still have Lego, Playmobil and Thomas from when they were kids.Judy feels privileged to give back to her community by supporting many local charities with donations of toys. Twenty-three years ago, Whale's Tale Toys started and still sponsors the Annual Father's Day Kite Fly at Goose Spit. Other local charities sponsored by Whale's Tale Toys include Slo Pitch, t-ball and the Whaler's Women's Hockey Team. Just for fun, Whale's Tale Toys has hidden a geocache. If you have a GPS, see if you can find it!

She would like to thank loyal customers on Friday and Saturday, October 16th and 17th by offering giveaways and sales storewide. The first 100 customers will receive a free gift. There will be daily draws for a Thomas the Tank Engine table and Playmobil products plus random acts of toy giveaways throughout the two-day, 25th Anniversary sale. All regularly priced products will be 10-50% off with coupons being "fished" out of a pond by your aspiring young anglers. Brio, baby sleepers, Melissa and Doug raincoats and boots and too much more to list will be 40 to 50% off.

Whale's Tale ToysCelebrates 27 years in the Comox Valley

Whale's Tale Toys featured in "Toys & Games" retailer profile in 1999

Toys & Games retailer profile Continued

Judy Osborne and Whales Tale Toys have been bringing fun and joy to "kids" of all ages in the Comox Valley for 27 years with their unique selection of toys and games. They were featured in this Retailer Profile in the Toys & Games magazine in July/August 1999.

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